Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1887-01-27
T.. THE PROTEST.

abiC vi VIZ thO oNphut' hc biihO
is a fair, beautiful girl of eighteen.
The groom, tall. dark man. several
years older than the bride. might sit
for picture of Byron's CorSair. They
have taken their position at the altar,
and the ceremony commences amidst
the bushed silence of the aristocratic
throng, who have gathered to witness
the rites.
The minister has arrived at that por-
ton of the service which declares that
if there be any reason why this man
and this woman shall not be joined to-
gether in the holy bonds of wedlock, it
shall now be proclaimed. AS he pauses
a moment, according to custom, after
reading this sentence, the silence is
broken by sepulchral voice issuing
from the body of the church. which
cries: Hold forbid the bans! That
woman is already bound by a secret
MARI age TO a living husband.
All is confusion in an instant, there
is Il murmur of amaZement and suspi
cion throughout the church. The bride
falls fainting upon the altar, aud is car
ried to the vestry.
Norris Langley, the groom hastens 10
the center Of the church, from which
spot the dissenting voice had seemed to
emanate, but his search is fruitless, for
no one has seen the person who uttered
the protest. LET whoever has dared
to make this foul accusation against an
innocent girl stand forth and have the
lie crammcd down his false throatn
exaaims he. But his challenge meets
with no response.
The swoon of the bride continues so
long that her friends are becoming
alarmed when Langley appears; then
the others retire and leave them alone.
"Athol, my own. my darling! Speak
to me-say that it is not truer'
The beautiful blue eyes unclose TO
meet those of her lover bent anxiously
above her. 30 Norris, what is itp
What does 1t mean?"
do you not know? Oh. my own
love. say that he lied!" he entreats.
do you doubt mep" rising to her
feet with stately GOODNESS
No, no, my darling" he says, ''only
/ long to hear you refute it-say there
is not even a shadow of truth in what
he saidr'
No, Mr.. Langley. shall not graft
fy you" answers Athol Clifford. haught-
ily. ut is clear to me that you have
doubts, or you would require no ex-
planation'
"Oh, Ahol! is it possible you rehise
to make any?"
Enough, sirr' she cries indignant
ly. Drawing ring from her finger,
she lays it on the table. turns away and
bursts into passion OF weeping.
Norris is at her side in moment, with
his arm around her. saying: Think no
more of it my love. Let us return to the
altar at once and have the ceremony fin
ished."
"Never!' exclams Athol. Dsengag-
ing herself from his encircling arms,
she sweeps from the room, and enter
ing her carriage, is driven rapidly away
without exchanging word with any
one.
1t is year later. The August sun,
full and golden, pours its dazzling bril-
lance over the promenaders who
throng the beach.
''Athol Clifford is going on just the
same rs ever" observes lady to
friend. who is sitting on the piazza of
the hotel, enjoying the band and a little
gossip at the same time. "Only look"
she continues. rs handsome couple
pass, close to view; near enough for
them to see che look of passionate ado
ration which the gentleman gives his
companion. "Well, l am not surprised.
That girl is thorough coquettei"
by the way" remarks the second
lady. who was it that prevented her
marriage with Mr.. Langley? 1 was in
Europe at the time, and only heard a
rumor of the affair, which created quite
a sensation. 1t was said that she was
married already. Has it ever been as
certained whether it was true or falsep"
Never. One story afloat was that
Norris Langley hired the man to prevent
the marriage, being anxious to break
with her at the last moment; and for
my part, i believe that version. ] can
well imagine how CALLING it must have
been 10 proud, reserved man, such as
Mr.. Langley. to find the woman he ex-
pected TO make his wife so insatiate in
her thirst for admiration. She always
manages to make herself so conspicu-
Gus, too. just see how she is inveiglng
young Winston into proposing to her.
Any one with half an eye can see that
he is dead in love with her. ] suppose
she wishes to add him to her list of
victims"
Meanwhile Miss Clifford and Mr. Win
ston, lost to view in the throng, have
passed beyond the regular promenade
and reached secluded spot behind the
cliffs.
"Ah!' says Athol. show charming
il is here. So short a distance from
that babbling crowd, and yet so still, so
lovely! Do you not agree with me,
Mr.. Winstonp"
He is gazing eagerly into her face,
which seems to him lovely as an angels.
In vain he tries TO stem the torrent of
words which rush. trembling. to his
lips. Miss Gifford-Athol, he begins,
in low intense tone.
LET us go back" she says, hastily,
1T Is too silent here; we cannot hear
the band.
"Oh--and but this moment you
thought IL so beautiful" he saws, re-
proachfully. stay but moment. I
entreat; you must know what am GO
ing to say"
II fear I do" replies Athol, land I
beg you not TO say II, for It will be USE
less.
"Oh, Athol." in q voice Of suppress
ed anguish, lis there no hopee"